Why do period cramps hurt so much?

A:

Quick Answer

Period cramps hurt because of a chemical called prostaglandin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. During the period, this chemical causes stronger uterine contractions. This, in turn, restricts the supply of oxygen to nearby blood vessels, causing pain.

Painful cramps can be a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, one out of 10 women suffer from pain so severe that it impairs normal daily activities, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The Cleveland Clinic reports that conditions such as infections, uterine fibroids and endometriosis may cause severe period pain. In these cases, women who suffer from severe pain during their period should be under the care of a physician.

Related Questions

According to WebMD and KidsHealth, one way to stop or relieve common period cramps is to take pain relievers. KidsHealth recommends taking them a bit in advance of when the cramps are expected to start. WebMD notes that cramps for some women stop entirely after they give birth for the first time.

According to Mayo Clinic, you can relieve period, or menstrual cramps with over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oral birth control pills, depending on the severity of the cramps. You can also relieve cramps with home remedies such as applying heat to the lower abdomen, exercising and taking dietary supplements.

According to Everyday Health, period cramps cause mild to severe lower abdominal pain and aches that are intense, causing a female to be uncomfortable. However, some females even experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

According to Mayo Clinic, cramps develop during a woman's menstrual period when the uterus contracts to shed its lining. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins trigger these contractions, and women with higher levels of prostaglandins tend to have stronger menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps can also develop due to multiple health conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis or adenomyosis.